W: Rachel June @mixdjrj
Hailing from Yorkshire, DeadWax have been making noise for years, but only recently have they started getting the recognition they deserve. The band consists of four best mates: Jake (lead vocals), Skinner (guitar), Sol (bass), and Ben (drums). Blending grime, metal, rock, punk, and dance, they deliver an electrifying live show that leaves crowds breathless.
ASBO has been lucky enough to witness their energy twice - first at Boomtown 2024, where Jake called it “one of the best crowds we’ve ever played to,” and more recently at their sold-out headline gig at Strongroom, London, with support from Native James. The atmosphere was pure chaos: mosh pits, thrashing guitar riffs, deathly drums, and Jake’s lyricism commanding the room. He’s not one to hold back, tackling real issues with a vocal presence that hits just as hard as the band behind him.
The Alt Grime Punk Party they’ve created is something special. People weren’t just watching a gig - they were part of it. Dancing, X-stepping, moshing, sweating - it was electric. “It felt like people were trying to justify us playing live by putting us in a box,” Skinner explained, “whereas promoting it as a party just works better. It brings in a crowd that loves the music.” DeadWax have built their own scene, fusing grime, metal, rock, and even drum and bass into something entirely new. Imagine an old-school rave, but with fresh, genre-defying sounds.
Their inspirations are wide, including Commodo, RATM, Astroid Boys, The Prodigy, and Led Zeppelin. I asked what is on repeat for DeadWax at the moment, and found out that Sol’s addicted to “Speechless” by Helmet, Jake’s listening to “It’s Time to Move” by SOSA, Ben’s hooked on “Dirt” by Death in Vegas, and Skinner’s feeling “Draggin’” by Hannah Koen. Lyrically, Jake loves “Rage (Against the Machine) and how heavy their messaging is,” he says. ‘Captive’ channels that same energy, taking aim at the broken state of UK politics. DeadWax speaks directly to their generation - no preaching, just raw truth. But at the heart of it all is friendship. “That’s the core of this unit,” Ben says. The band cringe, but slowly, smiles creep in and heads start to nod in agreement.
Despite their growing success, DeadWax remain proudly DIY. “We organise the tours ourselves and take turns on the door selling tickets,” Ben explains. Their self-produced 2024 EP was a game-changer - a bold statement of intent. “It’s a mix of rock/metal and grime,” says Jake, with tracks like ‘Believe Me’ and ‘AGR’ showcasing their unique hybrid sound. Now, they’re gearing up to release their next EP in 2025, written in a snowy cabin during a week-long escape from their 9-to-5 jobs. “It was awesome,” Ben recalls. But for them, nothing beats the stage. Their chemistry as a band is undeniable, their friendship fueling the raw power of their music.
For aspiring musicians, the band offers this advice: “Don’t be scared to cut your own path.” Jake adds, “Believe in what you’re doing, and don’t let anyone stop you. Make your art and say it with your chest.” Ben keeps it simple: “You gotta keep going.” A sentiment they all echo with a final statement - “DeadWax for life, man!”
Check them out at deadwaxofficial.com or follow them @deadwaxofficial - they’ve got more music coming, and trust us, you don’t want to miss it.